Man wanted for homophobic graffiti in Seattle

A man who allegedly wrote homophobic slurs around West Seattle is being sought by police after prosecutors filed property destruction charges against him Monday.

Cox

Ryan Joshua Cox, 31, is believed to be homeless and might be wearing multiple layers of clothing to keep warm, Seattle police said. He is thought to be wearing a dark jacket with a red collar and carrying a red satchel.

Police said Cox suffers from mental illness and should not be approached because he has shown volatile behavior.

Cox’s illness was the reason why six prior cases against him in Municipal Court were dismissed earlier this year, according to police. He was booked May 19 into King County Jail and released June 12.

In September, a woman walking by a business in the 7300 block of Fauntleroy Way Southwest noticed a homophobic message written with black marker on a sign. Police said similar offensive writing was on a bench and portable toilet in Lincoln Park.

Cox is known to write a three word derogatory term, investigators said. As well as the homophobic message, the graffiti inside the portable toilet targeted Seattle police, according to a report.

In May 2009, there were similar incidents in which the same or similar homophobic phrases were written in black marker at several locations in West Seattle. Police say Cox is responsible.

Two men living on California Avenue Southwest had homophobic messages left on their garage on May 1 and 2. Homophobic messages had been left at their home four times, including a case that occurred more than a year ago.

“I’m scared,” one of the men told our news partner, KOMO/4, in May. “I feel like I’m being watched constantly. I don’t trust anybody all of a sudden. It’s not a good feeling at all.”

Cox pleaded not guilty in that case before the charges were dismissed.

Police on Wednesday released photos they say show Cox writing the homophobic term. They are included below.

Cox is 6-feet tall and about 225 pounds. Anyone with information about his location is asked to call 911 or (206) 233-2623.